Positive Organizational Psychology is the study of positive outcomes, processes, and attributes of organizations and their members. As the capstone of the Master’s program in Positive Organizational Psychology, this course will cover classic and contemporary perspectives in positive organizational psychology. In addition, emphasis will be given to organizational application and evidence-based interventions for improving employee well-being, learning, and performance. The course requires active participation and will culminate in a business pitch competition.

How is exemplary work accomplished in and through relationships in organizations? What are the characteristics of high quality and productive work relationships? What is the business case for positive work relationships? This course will cover core topics on interpersonal dynamics as well as social network perspectives on work relationships. In the first half of the course, we will discuss psychological research on trust, attachment, emotion regulation, feedback, and mindfulness. In the second half of the course, we will apply these perspectives to the practice of management, consulting, coaching, and negotiations. For the final assignment, students will develop a research project on an interpersonal dynamic of their choice. The course will require active participation and discussion.

What is the future of work and careers in an age of technological disruption? How can organizations help people accomplish their best work? This course is about the changing nature of work and careers in organizations. The course will progress through three central issues in organizational careers: (a) career identity and employability, (b) change and adaptation in changing career environments, and (c) mentoring relationships and coaching. The course is discussion-based and will require active participation.

How can organizations effectively attract, assess, manage, and develop individual talent? In this course, we will examine the science and practice of talent management in organizations. Topics include organizational case studies and research on talent attraction, recruitment, assessment, talent development, and performance management, For the final assignment, students will develop a research project or a business case study on a talent management practice of their choice. The class will require active discussion and participation.

This course will address central questions in organizations and examine the psychological dynamics salient to these concerns. There will be no easy answers. The focus of this course will be on inquiry, discovery, and theory development. The class will also engage in conversations with guest speakers - organizational scholars and practitioners who will discuss their emerging research and perspectives. The topics covered will include research on interpersonal dynamics, career decision making, leadership, and employment relationships. A foundational understanding of organizational psychology is required before taking this course.

The course will advance student research in organizational psychology from idea conception to publication. Each student will work under the guidance of the professor on a research paper, with the goal of publication in a peer-reviewed psychology or management journal. The course is writing intensive. MA students who are interested in research can take this course with approval from the instructor.